A gay docker who endured “vile” homophobic abuse has been awarded £45,000 in compensation.

Stena Line was ordered to pay its former worker after he took a case backed by the Equality Commission.

Martin Sheil, 51, was sacked by the ferry company in December 2012 after he challenged a colleague who repeatedly taunted him over his sexuality.

He told the Mirror: “You couldn’t repeat the things said to me. They were vile.

“It made me feel sick but I let it go until enough was enough and I spoke to the person involved.

“He claimed I assaulted him and the next thing I knew I was suspended.

“There was a hearing during which I told the company what had been going on.

“But they were only interested in the allegation against me.

“They never looked into my complaint and I was dismissed.”

Mr Sheil has been unable to find employment since he was sacked.

Setting out an award of £45,000 – £37,500 for the job loss and £7,500 for harassment – an industrial tribunal said “the flaws in the investigatory and disciplinary procedure render the dismissal substantively unfair”.

Mr Sheil added: “I am now looking forward to a fresh start and just getting on with my life.”